MRS. INTERNATIONAL--After Party

Behind every successful married woman is a wonderful, supportive husband, at least that's the case for us. Don't they look handsome in their tuxes. In Europe a tuxedo is called a "Smoking"...maybe because a tux makes a man look smoking hot.

Kim from DC has moved many times because she and her husband serve in the US military. She had some interesting stories about their travels.

Kim (DC), Heather (AL) and I get together one more time before we head back home after an exciting week at the Mrs. International Pageant.

MRS. INTERNATIONAL--Coronation Ball and After Party

It was a pleasure to meet Mary Richardson, the pageant director. She's a great lady who operates a wonderful pageant.
Caroline (CAN), Kecia (OH & 1st runner-up to Mrs. Int'l) and I enjoying the after party.
I had the chance to meet Holly Ernst who competed at Mrs. International a couple of years ago as Mrs. Minnesota. She is gorgeous and funny too!
Having fun at the coronation ball with Kimberly, Mrs. CT.

I love this woman! Donell (MN) was so much fun to be around and really kept me laughing.
Pamela (SD) is a beauty inside and out. She has a good heart and passion for helping people. Love you Pamela!

MRS. INTERNATIONAL--Thank you for all of the support.

I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to have wonderful friends and family who sent me lots of love and support. I had 25 email messages of encouragement (which I saved) from friends all over the US and Europe. I even got flowers while I was in Chicago. These beautiful flowers are from my pageant sister Kim Takla. Thanks Kim!
And these are from The Boss--Dee Dee Brant, director of the Mrs. Oregon International pageant. She is a great lady and so sweet to have sent me flowers too.

MRS. INTERNATIONAL--Pageant Competition

Tamara and I are ready for the show to begin in our opening number outfit. Everybody loved these beautiful dresses.
Heather (AL) and I are ready for evening gown competition.
And so is Tamara. We were near each other in the dressing room so were able to support each other.
And the winner is Rebekah Negrete from California.
I got to know Rebekah a little bit during pageant week and she is as beautiful inside as she is outside. I was really happy to see such a great woman chosen as Mrs. International.

MRS. INTERNATIONAL--Interview Day

Thursday was interveiw day. This is my interview suit--my very first St. Johns knit--with my cool, pointy shoes that I bought in Brussels. I felt fabulous in this outfit!

Heather and I were in the same interview group and had fun together all week. We decided we look like sisters but--as it turns out--I'm old enough to be her mom. :)

MRS. INTERNATIONAL--Rehearsals, Rehearsals, Rehearsals

Heading off to rehearsals with Ori Ann (HI), Tamara (OR) Christina (IN), Me (EU) and Heather (AL)
On a break from rehearsal--Southern Belles representing the South.
We rehearsed A LOT so we were glad when we could sit down for a few minutes. Here I'm taking a break with Melissa (Gulf States) and Robin (FL)
Just chilling with the girls while we wait our turn to go on stage.
Two of my favorite people I met during pageant week--Pamela (SD) and Kerri (ND).

MRS. INTERNATIONAL-Formal Dinner

L-R: Randa (IL), Tamara (OR), Me (EU), Ashley (NM), Heather (AL) Sarah (AR), Sarah (GA) & Angela (NC)

Yvette and I are feeling gorgeous.
Two Portland girls: Me from Portland, Oregon & Amber from Portland, Maine.

Robin (FL) and I are close to the same age--just like Demi Moore, we make 40-something look hot!
And Ashley from NM makes 20-something look extra hot!!
Janine (SC) and I have very good taste and really know how to choose a great dress!

MRS. INTERNATIONAL--St. Vincent dePaul Appearance

This precious little girl is one of the many children who are well taken care of at St. Vincents.
Maila is one of the directors at the school who showed us around and explained the services provided at this wonderful facility.
Julian (above) and the young prince below are shown wearing the crowns they donned in anticipation or our appearance. They were all so darling and it was nice to do our small part to brighten their day.
Every contestant provided much needed school supplies and backpacks for the children. St. Vincent Paul is a clean, safe, well-run facility that provides education and childcare for low income families.

MRS. INTERNATIONAL--Mall Appearance

On our 2nd day at the pageant we all went to the Gurnee Hills Mall. Here I am with the beautiful, graceful Suzy Bootz, Mrs. International 2006. After meeting her and having the chance to talk with her, it was easy to see why she won the title last year.
We got to sign autographs and meet some great people at the mall. Here I am with (L-R) Tamara, Mrs. OR, Randa Allen, Mrs. IL and Donnell Rank, Mrs. MN.
More fun with my pageant sisters at the mall, Randa (Mrs. IL) and Tamara (Mrs. OR).
My gorgeous roommate Yvette Ludwig, Mrs. New Jersey was so much fun and the perfect roommate. I love her and I'm sure we'll see each other again.
Lunch was provided for us by the Rainforest Cafe at the mall. Jessica Smith, Mrs. CO, Pamela Johnson, Mrs. SD and I are all smiles after lunching together.

MRS. INTERNATIONAL--First Day

I also had a chance to meet 2 great women who I know will be lifelong friends--Pamela Johnson, Mrs. South Dakota and Yvette Ludwig, Mrs. New Jersey (my roommate). We had fun shopping and having lunch together.

At the contestant orientation I got to meet all of the contestants. Above are just a few of them(L-R): Mrs. Oregon, Tamara; Mrs. Ohio, Kecia Pringle; Mrs. Australia, Poonam Mehndiratta; Mrs. South Dakota, Pamela Johnson and me, Mrs. Europe.

Weekend in BRUSSELS

This is one of the most famous street's in Brussels with restaurants galore that serve the world reknown "Mussels from Brussels". Ours were delicious!! This is the view from our hotel room in Brussels. The thing that's interesting about this is that the picture was taken at 11PM at night--there's still light on the horizon in June.
Here we are in the main plaza in the middle of Brussels--a beautiful city.
Date night in Brussels. We're so lucky to have each other and we do our best to have dates and romantic getaways to keep our relationship alive. <3